Changing Farsi to Avestai script

Originally posted by Dark Lord The Pahlavi-Avestan script evolved from a Semitic language, Aramaic - similar to New Persian written in Arabic. Indo-European languages are not well suited to be written in Semitic script, because syntax in Semite languages does not completely represent vowels, hence, one has to memorize the meaning of words to understand. Reading Farsi for a new student is a nightmare in knowing where and what vowels are omitted within a designate noun or verb to deduce its correct pronunciation and meaning. Iranians did invent their own script, Old Persian, a type of cuneiform, but wholly original in that it was written in alphabetical form with wholly original signs. In fact, Old Persian cuneiform was superior to Mesopotamian cuneiform for its simplicity and utilization of dividers between each word. The script is said to be invented by Darius the Great. I have studied Akkadian (a north-eastern Semitic language), and Akkadian cuneiform is much more difficult with it's 100+ signs written in continuous fashion without any dividers! Early Arabic written in Kufic script was similar in this regard. But I think Old Persian is the best script to represent the Iranian language - which would, of course, necessitate a purge of foreign words. Even the Aryan Hittites wrote in a cuneiform script - there is something haunting and powerful about a script that originated civilization; indestructible on its stone tablets - the wedge-shaped letters evoke a mythical past still lingering in our unconsciousness. Dark Lord.

I had a similar experience.

I have given my views about changing the script of Persian language about 2 years ago on a Yahoo Group.

Changing the script, if people who speak that language want to change it should not be about a HAUNTING past dear Dark Lord.

Looking forward to a friendly discussion.

PS:Would you plz ask PRSN to reduce the size of his KINDERGARTEN notebook.

Edited by Alaknanda

Pahlavai script or latin are the best replacements.

Originally posted by Tangriberdi Man Alifboye Lotin ro mipasandam.  Chun ke alifboye Arabi ne Mi tavonam baxwonam. I hope it is grammatically correct.

Yes, correct

The Pahlavi-Avestan script evolved from a Semitic language, Aramaic - similar to New Persian written in Arabic. Indo-European languages are not well suited to be written in Semitic script, because syntax in Semite languages does not completely represent vowels, hence, one has to memorize the meaning of words to understand. Reading Farsi for a new student is a nightmare in knowing where and what vowels are omitted within a designate noun or verb to deduce its correct pronunciation and meaning. Iranians did invent their own script, Old Persian, a type of cuneiform, but wholly original in that it was written in alphabetical form with wholly original signs. In fact, Old Persian cuneiform was superior to Mesopotamian cuneiform for its simplicity and utilization of dividers between each word. The script is said to be invented by Darius the Great. I have studied Akkadian (a north-eastern Semitic language), and Akkadian cuneiform is much more difficult with it's 100+ signs written in continuous fashion without any dividers! Early Arabic written in Kufic script was similar in this regard. But I think Old Persian is the best script to represent the Iranian language - which would, of course, necessitate a purge of foreign words. Even the Aryan Hittites wrote in a cuneiform script - there is something haunting and powerful about a script that originated civilization; indestructible on its stone tablets - the wedge-shaped letters evoke a mythical past still lingering in our unconsciousness.



Dark Lord.

Originally posted by prsn41ife what i mean by efficiency is that the arabic script is hard to learn for outsiders, and generally, its hard to teach. for example, in the latin script, each letter represents a sound and you can distinguish words by just saying those sounds. in the arabic script, you have to know the word to read it, when in latin script if you come across a word you dont know, you can sound it out. and generally, the latin script is easier to learn, to teach, and to use internationally. and not to mention the fact that all computers and high tech equipment are in the latin script. the latin script has efficiency, while the arabic script has beauty, its a hard choice, dont know which one to choose. again, thats why they whould teach both.

Personally I agree. we need two scripts. For one a suggest Pahlavi or Avestan. I know ppl disagree and many want the Arabic script, but personally I like the old one's better.

But like prsn4life said, Latin script is much easier for foreigners. It can be sounded out. Also consider that most of North and South America, Europe, Australia, and large parts of Africa, use Latin scripts. Thus it would make it easier for Iranians to promote their language and culture to these peoples. and vice versa, it would be easier for Iranians to learn about them.

Also it would immensely help tourism and business interests in Iran, as people could read the signs, brochures, documents, books, and other things much more easily.

I'm not sure how its inefficient, could you elaborate?

so whats the point of changing the script?

the persio-arabic is also used in Urdu and Afghan dialects/languages, and its rather pleasing to look at. On the other hand, people who know arabic and interested in learning an iranian language could easily learn it becuase they'd know how to read the script.

Originally posted by Aydin I still favor the Pahlavi script, over Arabic. Unquestionably. "And also, it would mean having to re-educate Iran which would be difficult" As previously stated, the arabic dialect can be taught almost as a second language type class in Iran. Eventually, after decades of this the Arabic script can be phased out. Lastly, in Farsi class, pure Persian words should be used, whilst making a conscious effort to speak completely devoid of the small percentage of Arabic words that have infiltrated our language.

I suggest we teach Pahlavi script or Avestan script. Cuneifrom would be tough to configure to today's world of writing.

Latin letters are ok, not my first choice. But they would make Farsi easier to understand for Europeans, are make Europeans more likely to learn Farsi.

Also I suggest we change Farsi to Parsi. Do we call ourselves "Fersians" no. It was originally the Arabs, who don't pronounce 'p' who changed it to Farsi. That is why I would like Parsi, written in Pahlavi script.

mikhi is cunieform.

Originally posted by azimuth Avista has Arabic words in it i think.

Unlikely, it may have semitic words, but they will most probably be Aramaic, which heavily influenced Arabic.